It was an interesting coincidence that Patsy arrived at the house with his prisoner just a few moments before the police came from headquarters to take the men away, and so it happened that there were six uniformed officers grouped around Nick-to say nothing of his own friends, and of the bound prisoners on the floor-when Mustushimi's lieutenant was brought before him to be questioned.
He was a tall, lithe, clean-limbed, rather swarthy but withal handsome Frenchman. He still showed the mark made by Patsy's fist, and whenever he glanced toward the latter there was an ugly gleam in his eyes, as if he would like nothing better than to have an opportunity of repaying that blow with considerable interest.
"Your name!" demanded the detective curtly; but the fellow smiled at him, and replied:
"Find out, mistaire."
"I will," said Nick. "Senator, hand me the end of that wire you saw me attaching to the switchboard a moment ago. This chap hasn't had a taste of our medicine, as yet. I think he would like some of it. Patsy?"
"Yes, sir."
"Take your place at the switchboard. When I say 'One!' move the lever to the third notch. When I say 'Two!' move it to the fourth notch, and, after that, as I count upward, move it one notch at hold up my hand for you to stop."
"All right, chief."
Nick took the wires in his hand-there were two of them-and one of them he fastened to the Frenchman's left hand, so that the bulb at the end of it was exactly in his palm. The man had to be held while Nick did this, but it was accomplished after a moment; and then the detective stood in front of him with the other wire in his grasp, for it was insulated, of course.
"Now, you Frenchman, attend to me!" he ordered. "What is your name?"